The Medlars’ eponymous album is as intricate as it is diverse; as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. They have produced a triumphant debut that time and again rewards repeated listening with delightful voyages of discovery. An album to treasure and a band to watch out for.
In addition to proving herself a versatile and accomplished songwriter; in Siren Serenade Emily Mae Winters also confirms her ability, and willingness, to revisit traditional sources. Enthralling evidence of the breadth of talent she has to offer.
Rain Dries Your Eyes is a sizeable and well-chosen anthology from Jason McNiff. A timely reminder of the talents of one of our most underappreciated musicians and singers – there is a clarity of purpose here that is rarely found, let alone maintained throughout a decade or so of music making.
We talk to George Nigel Hoyle (Cunning Folk) about his fascination with the ritual English landscape and his vast musical influences from Anne Briggs to Brian Eno. He also shares his fascination with ritual…”they signpost where we are & where we have come from.”
Dan Walsh’s latest offering, Verging On The Perpendicular, is the perfect balance of authenticity and flair. Without ever ignoring the past, it points the way to an exciting future for banjo music.
After a tantalising introduction to Curse of Lono last year, their debut album ‘Severed’ is finally here. It plays like an album from a band who have been developing their performance for many years and it’s one they can be immensely proud of.
Cracks in the Room makes the most impressive use yet of Twelfth Day’s winning way with a lyrical hook and their quite exceptional instrumental skills. It is one of the most rewarding listening experiences to be placed before an audience this year.
Ritual Land, Uncommon Ground is a quietly huge endeavour, a labour of love, full of valuable knowledge, surprising stylistic breadth and exquisite songwriting.
Artistic statements like The Gathering…are symptoms of change, and they are also its catalysts. Toby Hay’s album is a stunning turning point in what we have come to call folk music. A beautiful, frank and mysterious statement.
On ‘The Other Side,’ Adaya successfully reimagines folk music through the bright window of intelligent songcraft and genuinely experimental arrangements. It is an intensely varied and often mesmerising release from a unique voice.
Éilís Kennedy, our Artist of the Month, discusses her new album ‘Westward,’ a collection of traditional and contemporary songs that display the kind of elegance and grace that can only come from Ireland, especially when the songs feature a voice as pure and soothing as hers.
With ‘Making Waves,’ Luke Daniels bridges the gap between traditional music and its contemporary descendants (ft. John Doyle, Mike McGoldrick and Aidan O’Rourke) and emerges with his reputation as an instrumentalist, a composer and an innovator considerably enhanced. An outstanding album.
